Business, international

Free the masses: China has too much state, not too many people

Article Abstract:

The aggressive population control policy that the Chinese government has enforced since 1973 has fostered many terrible abuses including compulsory abortion, sterilization and contraception. Since 1991 pressure on local authorities to reduce the number of births in their jurisdictions has exacerbated these abuses. The government justifies its policy on the grounds that limiting population growth is essential for China's future prosperity. However, this argument, echoed by many in the West, is specious since governmental mismanagement is the real cause of China's economic problems.

People vs forests

Article Abstract:

The rain forests of Palanan, in northern Philippines, are being threatened by inhabitants who cut down trees as a means of livelihood. Conservationists and scientists agree that the community must be taught to value the forests and must have access to alternative employment. The lack of funds, however, makes it impossible to create and carry out programs addressing these objectives. The World Bank is ready to provide the necessary funds now that the government has passed a law creating a system of national parks.

Power to the people

Article Abstract:

PLN, Indonesia's state-owned electric utility, is developing plans to boost the country's power supply which has not kept pace with rapid industrial growth. The government intends to invest $30 billion in new power sources over the next 10 years. Coal- and combined-cycle generating plants along with new sources of hydropower will be built. Rural electrification will receive $500 for solar power. However, power industry critics say the PLN must be reorganized and that many of its facilities should be privatized.